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Name: Brittney Stephenson
Program: Aix-en-Provence, France - Academic Year
Hometown: Berkeley, CA
U.S. University: Univ. of California - Berkeley
E-mail address: BRITTYG20@aol.com
Our Programs Manager, Chelsea Kaloupek, nominated Brittney to be our Student-of-the-Month because of her enthusiasm for life in France and for the art she's been studying.
We talked to Brittney recently and asked her to share her thoughts on living in Aix-en-Provence, her experience with ASA, and her advice to students looking to go abroad.
Why did you decide to study abroad?
After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in the practice of fine arts, I knew I needed to be involved with an academic program that would allow me to experience a different culture. I wanted to choose a place that was rich with art history and theory and I figured what better place to go than to France. In my opinion France is the Mecca of where the pioneers in the art world emerged from and it is a place where I felt I could benefit from and grow as an artist.
Why did you choose the Marchutz program?
While I was searching for study abroad programs I wanted a program that was intensive and one which stimulated my mind and my craft. When I read on the description of Marchutz it seemed like a perfect fit. It blended art history, theory, and practice into one dynamic academic setting that I am so glad I have been able to be involved in.
What has been the best part of studying abroad in Aix-en-Provence?
Aix provides students with a very intimate setting. It is a relatively quiet town with the friendliest people I have ever met. It is a place that caters to college students, so there really is not any problem with adjusting to this new setting. Not only is Aix a small city but it is also really safe. I love the fact that I can walk around at night and not feel like something bad is going to happen to me. It is a place where you can meet lots of French people, but you also get a chance to meet many other people from all over the United States.
Describe what it's like to live in Aix as if you were talking to someone who has never been there.
Because Aix is so small, there is never an issue with getting around in town. The city has an excellent public transportation system, so it is very convenient to use it to get around to different places. The actual city itself possesses a sort of historical presence that is very unique to Aix as far as the architecture, food, and language is concerned. The provincial area is very culturally oriented, so it allows you to have an indication of what Aix used to be like.
What do you like most about ASA?
I really enjoyed working with ASA as they really helped me in my transition from the United States to France. Over the course of the year they have helped me with answering any and all of my questions and have been very supportive over the course of time I have spent in Aix.
What advice would you give to students thinking of study abroad?
I think a student thinking of studying abroad should first research the field in which they would like to study. There are countless amounts of programs you can study, in a number of different places. Research is key into finding a suitable place where you would like to study.
What advice would you give to students who are about to leave to study abroad?
Some advice I would give to a student leaving to study abroad is to budget wisely. As a student going to a foreign place you must take responsibility for your economic standing while in that given place. Make sure that you know what the conversion rate is for that particular place. Set up a long-term budget for yourself allocating money to vacations or certain excursions you may want to take on weekends. Being more prepared financially upfront will definitely help you in the end.
How has studying abroad changed you?
I feel like studying abroad has changed me in many different ways. I am more open to other people's cultures and have also learned to appreciate different cultures as well. I think that it is very empowering to be able to live in a place that is completely foreign from what you are used to. It allows you to have a more worldly perspective on different social, political, cultural, and/or economic topics that may arise during your time there and in the future.
What's your funniest moment been abroad?
The funniest moment that I have had while studying abroad was the day I was walking in the middle of a square in Aix and because of the cobblestone streets my foot got caught in a hole and I fell straight down on my knees. Because I was in the middle of a huge square there were a lot of people walking around in the area, and I felt so embarrassed. At that point I just remained on my knees for a few seconds because I just could not stop laughing at myself, and to face the fact that I had indeed fallen on the ground in front of everyone.
To read about our previous Students-of-the-Month, click here
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